Im always working on my recipes to keep my calories down. Mixing lean hamburger and adding ground turkey, still keeps the flavor of the hamburger. Your guests will never know and they are half ground beef and ground turkey, a crowd-pleaser as well. My husband and I lost 80lbs. For us, just changing our mindset by always revamping recipes and working ingredients without losing flavor. So I find by sharing what we create to keep and count every calorie, fat, and carb, its like a challenge. Sandwich Thins Multigrain or a lettuce wrap is what we use unless we have guests over.
If you love a good old-fashioned hamburger but want to lighten it up slightly, try this healthy hamburger recipe. It combines ground beef and lower-fat ground turkey. Tender and juicy, youd never guess theyre not completely ground beef. Seasoned perfectly, place the patty on a whole wheat bun or on top of a salad and youll satisfy any burger craving. — The Test Kitchen
Ground beef and ground turkey are two of the most versatile and commonly used meats. Both pack a big protein punch and can be used in everything from weeknight dinners to hearty weekend meals. But have you ever considered mixing ground beef and ground turkey together? You may be wondering if you can combine these two proteins and how it would impact the flavor and texture of your dishes. Read on to get the full scoop on mixing ground beef and ground turkey!
The Benefits of Mixing Ground Beef and Ground Turkey
There are actually several advantages to blending ground beef and ground turkey:
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It allows you to reduce the saturated fat and calorie content compared to using 100% ground beef Ground turkey is a leaner protein, so mixing it with ground beef creates a healthier balance
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You get the best of both worlds when it comes to flavor. Ground beef provides rich, beefy flavor while ground turkey offers a more subtle flavor that takes on spices and seasonings well.
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It can help stretch your grocery budget. Ground turkey is typically cheaper per pound than ground beef. Mixing the two allows you to save money without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
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Combining the two meats creates perfect texture for burgers, meatballs, tacos, chili and more. The moisture from the beef keeps the turkey from drying out.
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It allows you to easily add more protein to meals by using a protein-packed blend.
How to Mix Ground Beef and Ground Turkey
Mixing ground beef and ground turkey is simple:
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Determine the ratio you want to use. A 50/50 blend is common, but you can tweak the amounts to achieve your preferred fat and calorie content. Use more turkey for a leaner result.
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Combine the meats in a large bowl and add any seasonings or spices you desire. A little salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder are great basics.
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Use your hands to gently mix everything together until thoroughly combined, Be careful not to overwork the meat which can make it tough,
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Cook recipes as you normally would, keeping in mind ground turkey may cook slightly faster than beef Always use a meat thermometer to verify safe temperatures
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Store raw ground beef and turkey mixtures tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. You can also freeze for longer storage.
Best Recipes for Mixed Ground Meats
From classic comfort foods to more gourmet dishes, mixing ground beef and ground turkey works well in many recipes:
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Burgers – Blending the two meats creates juicy, flavorful burgers the whole family will love. Add cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms or any other favorite toppings.
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Meatloaf – For a healthier spin on meatloaf, use a mix of ground beef and turkey. The texture will still be spot-on.
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Meatballs – Get creative with flavors by using a beef and turkey blend for your homemade meatballs. They’ll be so moist and delicious.
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Tacos – Spice up taco night with a protein-packed ground meat mix. Top with all your favorite taco fixings.
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Chili – Make a big hearty pot of chili with a blend of ground beef and turkey. It’s so satisfying!
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Lasagna – Layer your lasagna with a rich, meaty ground beef and turkey blend for maximum flavor.
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Sloppy Joes – These sandwich classics are quick, budget-friendly and tasted great made with the mixed meats.
Tips for Cooking with Mixed Ground Meats
To ensure you get optimal results when cooking with a blend of ground beef and turkey, keep these tips in mind:
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Slightly undercook the mixture. The turkey will finish cooking to a safe temperature more quickly than the beef.
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Add a little olive oil when sautéing to prevent sticking. Turkey is leaner than beef.
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Season generously. Turkey tends to be blander than beef so don’t be afraid of spices and herbs.
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Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to eliminate any bacteria.
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Allow casseroles, lasagnas and meatloaves to rest for 10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
Ground Turkey and Beef Safety Tips
When handling raw ground meats, always follow proper safety protocol:
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Store ground turkey and beef separately in the refrigerator since they have different storage times.
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Place ground turkey or beef mixtures in the refrigerator within 2 hours of purchasing. Use within 1-2 days.
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Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after working with raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.
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Cook ground poultry and beef to an internal temp of 165°F and 160°F respectively to kill any bacteria. Use a food thermometer to verify.
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Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully when ready to eat. Discard if left at room temp for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to mixing ground turkey and beef, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Does ground turkey have a strong flavor?
Ground turkey has a relatively mild flavor compared to beef. It takes on the taste of added seasonings very well.
What’s the best lean/fat ratio for ground turkey?
93% lean or leaner is ideal for ground turkey. The extra fat helps prevent dryness and improves moisture.
Is ground turkey safe to eat?
Ground turkey is safe to eat, as long as it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any potential bacteria.
Can you use ground turkey in place of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey in some recipes, but the flavor and texture will be quite different from ground beef. Mixing the two is often a better solution.
What’s the easiest way to incorporate more ground turkey into meals?
An easy trick is to use half ground beef and half ground turkey in recipes calling for ground beef, like chili, tacos, burgers, etc.
The Final Take on Mixed Ground Meats
Mixing ground beef with ground turkey is an easy way to enjoy the best of both proteins. The result is a moist, well-textured, flavorful meat option that can be used in virtually any ground beef recipe. Just remember to follow proper food safety guidelines. With so many benefits, it’s well worth giving this protein combo a try for some extra variety in your everyday cooking routine. So grab a package of ground turkey and start experimenting with endless tasty ways to use it blended with beef!
How To Make healthy hamburger mix of beef and turkey
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1 Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Massage the mixture well so all the meat is blended well with the ingredients.
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- Last Step: Dont forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
Ingredients For healthy hamburger mix of beef and turkey
- 1-1/4 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1-1/4 lb 85% lean ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp sea salt
- 1-1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce